Don your cape for comic convention

CAPTAIN Jack Sparrow, aka Loz Copping, of Captain Jack's Prop Shack

SUPERHEROES, Jedi knights and Harry Potter will all be descending on Oldham this weekend for the town's first ever comic convention.

Ham Fest, taking place on Saturday, will see the Queen Elizabeth Hall transformed into a paradise of heroes, villains, sci-fi and mystery.

Some of the North-West's best cosplayers (dressing up/impersonating a character from a film, book, or video game) and entertainers will be in attendance, with families able to spot some of their film and TV favourites on the day.

Organiser Loz Copping, who created Ham Fest with Chris Lack, said: "With the regeneration of Oldham and the preparations under way for the opening of the new cinema in the town centre, we thought Oldham would be the perfect place for a new convention.

Variety

"We've aimed to provide a variety of entertainment so that there will be something for everyone to enjoy.

"It should be like a theme park, just without the rides."

Loz, who is also known as Captain Jack Sparrow when he impersonates the famous pirate, added that he has been busy building a variety of sets for the event.

Loz, from Captain Jack's Prop Shack, added: "I can't wait to see the reaction of people who come down.

"It should be a fantastic day and I think there will be real buzz about it."

Some of the key attractions on the day will be a superhero landing set, where would-be crime fighters can perfect their pose, while wizards and witches can also fly their broomsticks down to the Honeydukes sweet shop, from the Harry Potter series, and pick up a few magic treats.

Competitions
Cars K.I.T.T. (Knight Rider) and Lightning McQueen (Disney Pixar) will also be revving the engines of visitors.

Curious Critters will be bringing along an array of spellbinding owls, reptiles and insects and there will be competitions from Geek Squad to find the best cosplayers of the day.

There will be a variety of traders offering items for sale and GAME Oldham will be setting up consoles so visitors can have the chance to play some of the newest games.

The event will be open from 10.30am (early-bird ticket entry 9.30am), until 4.30pm.

A collection will also take place on the day to raise money for Oldham's Breast Cancer Unit, a cause close to the hearts of the organisers.

On-the-door tickets cost £7 (£6 if in full cosplay), family tickets £20 (two adult, two children) and children under 3 are free.

For more information visit www.ham-fest.co.uk/ or search Ham-Fest in Facebook.